The New York Rangers are going to win the 2014 Stanley Cup thanks to a heavenly helper in the form of an angel, a Rangers fan said Monday at a West Palm Beach political fundraiser for independent candidates. A rapt audience of sports-minded politicians sat mesmerized as the man guaranteed a successful Rangers Stanley Cup run thanks to his deceased brother, a life-long Rangers fan.

“My brother, Allen, G-d rest his soul, bled Rangers red, white and blue – for more than 60 years,” said Jay Schorr, a marketing executive from Hollywood. “When Allen was gravely ill, Rangers management sent him a team photo signed by players and coaches wishing him a speedy recovery and encouragement. It was a classy, kind-hearted gesture that Al appreciated, as did our entire family.

“When Al passed on a short time later, his son put the photo in the coffin with my brother. Al was buried with the signed Rangers photo, a befitting inclusion for a team that gave him so much joy in life, even during the team’s lean years when victories were hard to come by.”

Allen Schorr’s son, David Schorr, the athletic director at Miami Edison High School, said he has no doubt that his father is up in heaven pulling for the Broadway Blueshirts in their quest for the Stanley Cup.

“My dad always said that if he could communicate after he passed he’d put in a good word for the Rangers,” said David Schorr. “I know he’s got far more important things to do in the spiritual afterlife than root for a sports team, but the Rangers aren’t just any team – they’re an organization with a heart; they really care about their fans and people. They proved that with my dad when he was so sick.”

Jay Schorr said that when his brother’s health started to seriously deteriorate, the family looked for something – anything – that could in the slightest way bring a smile to his brother’s face. Schorr emailed Kerryann Tomlinson, then vice president, community relations|MSG sports teams, and made an urgent request for a signed Rangers photo. Tomlinson and the Rangers organization went right to work in fulfilling the request.

“Kerryann was great,” said Jay Schorr. “She worked diligently to get the players and coaches to sign the photo. Even though the team was on the road, Kerryann got it done for my brother – one of the best Rangers fans of all time.”

After receiving the photo, Jay Schorr sent a thank you email to Kerryann, who responded, “SO glad we can help. I hope he [Allen] is feeling better and his spirits are lifted. Please let him know we are thinking of him.”

And now Allen and the entire Schorr family are thinking of the Rangers. Rooting them on to the Stanley Cup from South Florida and beyond.

“We won’t be surprised when the Rangers win the Stanley Cup this year,” said Jay Schorr. “There’s someone up in the nosebleed section with a lot of clout cheering them on.”

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Tyrone James has covered Florida's political beat for numerous print publications and wire services including Reuters. Tyrone knows Florida's political movers and shakers from Tallahassee to Miami. When he moves on a story, politicians shake. Tyrone sheds light on issues and stories of importance to all Floridians. Contact Tyrone at tyronejames5759@gmail.com